5 Affordable Austin Neighborhoods With Amazing Schools

Whether or not they have children, many homebuyers in the Austin area seek out neighborhoods located within a good school district. That’s because real estate near strong public schools has a higher resale value and tends to stay sheltered from fluctuations in the market – a win for soccer moms and young professionals alike. The only problem? Residences near high-performing schools are typically more expensive, leaving homebuyers to wonder whether the cost is worth the reward. If you’re currently dealing with this dilemma, don’t despair, because we’ve researched some of the most affordable, up-and-coming Austin neighborhoods that also have top-notch schools. Check out our list below to see if any are the right move for you.

1. North Burnet (78758)

Median Home Value: $232,900 ($78,800 below Austin average)

Local High School: Anderson (Ranked #115 in Texas)

Filled with brand-new condos and pristine shopping malls, this growing neighborhood might be known by veteran Austinites as “South Dallas,” but don’t let that faze you. There’s plenty to do for all ages in North Burnet, from bar hopping at The Domain to indulging in retail therapy at The Arboretum. Plus, last year, nearby Anderson High School received recognition for outstanding achievement in six academic categories from the Texas Education Agency. Not too shabby.

2. Jollyville (78729)

Median Home Value: $267,700 ($44,000 below Austin average)

High School: McNeil (Ranked #139 in Texas)

If golf or tennis is your game, then Jollyville is calling your name. This quiet North Austin neighborhood encompasses public parks like Old Stage as well as more posh playing grounds like Balcones Country Club. Here, spacious single detached family homes sell for much less than those in Austin proper, practically begging you to move your golf clubs northward. Additionally, students at local McNeil High School rank well above their peers across the state in both English and math proficiency.

3. West Oak Hill (78736)

Median Home Value:$312,200 ($500 above Austin average)

High School: Bowie (Ranked #152 in Texas)

Located in Southwest Austin along East Highway 290, this hilly area of the city has experienced rapid growth over the last few decades. In Oak Hill, a beautiful view is always within sight, whether from your own front porch or a rocking chair at a barbecue joint. Residents can enjoy the breweries of Fitzhugh Road as well as favorite local eateries like Pieous and The Salt Lick. As an added bonus, Bowie High School, which serves the western half of Oak Hill, performs better in both math and English than the majority of schools in the district, including Austin High and McCallum High.

4. North Loop (78751)

Median Home Value: $400,700 ($89,000 above Austin average)

High School: McCallum High School (Ranked #119 in Texas)

If you want a neighborhood that puts the weird in “Keep Austin Weird,” look no further than North Loop, an area of town known for funky secondhand shops and mid-century homes. North Loopers like to frequent local stores like Breakaway Records and watering holes like Epoch Coffee or gastropub Drink.Well. At close-by McCallum High, the second oldest secondary school in the district, nearly half of all students take AP exams and more than three-quarters pass.

5. Rosedale (78756)

Median Home Value: $471,700 ($160,000 above Austin average)

High School: Austin (Ranked #140 in Texas)

While by far the priciest neighborhood on this list, Rosedale is significantly more affordable than other communities serviced by Austin High School, including Zilker and Tarrytown. This burgeoning area of the city is home to both families and 20-somethings, thanks to a well-rounded mix of historic and renovated residences as well as an assortment of hot restaurants like Snooze, Pinthouse Pizza and Uchiko. Rosedale is within the attendance boundaries of Austin High School, which has a student population of more than 2,100 and boasts a graduation rate of 96 percent.